ROVERS missed the chance to go back on top of the Conference table after only managing a draw at Macclesfield on Saturday.

The lunchtime game at Moss Rose in front of the BT Sport cameras was a tense, hard-fought affair and the 0-0 result was a fair outcome.

Clarke sprang a surprise in the starting line-up by selecting Balanta ahead of Dawson to play on the right wing.

It was a good call as Dawson has lost his form since excelling at the start of his loan spell, while Balanta has shown the quality that can prise open defences when he has made substitute appearances and deserved his chance.

The Pirates put Macclesfield under pressure for long spells of the first half, without creating any clear chances.

Our opponents also looked dangerous going forward and had a couple of opportunities that were successfully repelled by Puddy, who retained his place in goal at the expense of the dropped Mildenhall.

We came out all guns blazing in the second half as the players looked eager to find the goal that would secure the win.

Our best chance fell to Easter who fired over the crossbar when in a good position, while Lines went close with a free kick towards the end.

Macclesfield also looked a threat in the latter stages as we battled to secure a point.

It was a solid performance from Rovers against a decent side and under normal circumstances would have been a satisfactory result. However, given how tight it is at the top, any dropped points at this stage of the season may prove costly.

Fortunately Barnet conceded a late equaliser away to Alfreton, but Grimsby went above the Gas on goal difference thanks to their victory at Welling, continuing their impressive run of results. With five games left just one point separates the top three teams.

Nothing less than six points will do for over the Easter weekend, as we face Chester at the Memorial Stadium tomorrow (3pm) and travel to Kidderminster on Easter Monday.

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